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Xavier Munoz, Derek Wagner and Elizabeth Sawtelle at Nicks on Broadway, photo by David Dadekian
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Nicks on Broadway Holiday Drive 2025 / Harry’s Bar & Burger is a Winter Wonderland! / 10 Prime Seafood Opens

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Nicks on Broadway Holiday Drive 2025

Xavier Munoz, Derek Wagner and Elizabeth Sawtelle at Nicks on Broadway, photo by David Dadekian
Xavier Munoz, Derek Wagner and Elizabeth Sawtelle at Nicks on Broadway, photo by David Dadekian

🎁✨ Holiday Season Is Here — Let’s Do Some Good! ✨🎁
We’re excited to kick off our Nicks on Broadway Holiday Drive to support two amazing local RI organizations: Federal Hill House & RI Community Food Bank!

🎄 Now through December 31st:
Bring in non-perishable food items, warm weather gear or holiday toys to help families right here in our community. Every donation counts & can make someone’s holiday a little brighter. ❤

🍾 Give a Little, Get a Little:
Donate $100 to either Federal Hill House or the RI Community Food Bank anytime in December & you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of Rosé with dinner as our way of saying thank you for spreading joy. (Now through 12/31)

🍽 Special Sunday Night Dinners at Nicks on Broadway:
Join us on Sunday, December 21st & Sunday, December 28th for special Sunday Night Dinner services & donation drop-offs! For every guest who joins us those evenings, we’ll donate $10 directly to the RI Community Food Bank. Eat well + do good.

Ho Ho Ho! Harry’s Bar & Burger is a Winter Wonderland!

Harry's Bar & Burger Christmas Cookie Shot
Harry’s Bar & Burger Christmas Cookie Shot

Harry’s Bar & Burger, located at 121 North Main Street and 301 Atwells Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island, has decked their halls once again for the holiday season, welcoming guests into a festive wonderland with daily holiday specials, deals, and giveaways to celebrate the season and spread holiday cheer.  

“We are so excited to create a magical winter pop-up for our guests once again,” said Harrison Elkhay, President, Chow Fun Food Group. “Both Harry’s locations are decked out with kitschy, over-the-top Christmas cheer from floor to ceiling with bright, sparkling lights, garland, wreaths, Christmas music, holiday movies on the TVs, and more.” 

Harry’s yuletide celebration begins with a selection of holiday cocktails, including the Mistletoe Mule: Ten Prime Vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer garnished with rosemary and cranberries; a Gingerbread Latte: Ten Prime Vodka, coffee, Kahlua, Carolan’s Irish Cream, and gingerbread syrup; Partridge in a Pear Tree: a festive twist on the 10 Prime classic featuring Absolut Pear, Licor 43, lemon juice, and ginger syrup; and a Christmas Cookie Shot with vanilla vodka, Amaretto, Carolan’s Irish Cream, and topped with red and green sprinkles.

Milkshake specials will feature Peppermint Mocha and Egg Nog while food specials will include Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls filled with shaved steak, American cheese, peppers, onions, and chipotle mayo and the Big Sack Stack: two full-size burger patties topped with American cheese, fried onion ring, and bacon jam.

Harry’s 12 Days of Christmas kicks off on Friday, December 12th with a variety of offers to reward guests at each location (until otherwise noted): 

  • Dec. 12th: Bottomless Fry Friday! Unlimited refills on Salt & Pepper Fries
  • Dec. 13th: Complimentary hot chocolate, while supplies last
  • Dec. 14th: Holiday face painting noon-4pm. (Harry’s on the Hill only)
  • Dec. 15th: Double Rewards Day
  • Dec. 16th: Decorate your own Christmas cookie, while supplies last
  • Dec. 17th: Holiday Trivia at 8:00 p.m. $300 in cash & prizes (Harry’s on the Hill only)
  • Dec. 18th: Santa-approved photo booth
  • Dec. 19th: Ugly sweater contest 6pm-8pm; $200 in cash & prizes (Harry’s on the Hill only)
  • Dec. 20th: Flip a coin for a free drink
  • Dec. 21st: Live holiday music 6-8pm (Harry’s on the Hill only)
  • Dec. 22nd: Spin to Win with the purchase of the Big Sack Burger
  • Dec. 23rd: Santa Harry gives away gifts and shots
Harry's Bar & Burger 1
Harry's Bar & Burger 2
Harry's Bar & Burger 3

10 Prime Seafood Opens its Stylish Doors for Dinner   

John Elkhay’s legacy restaurant features fresh and locally-caught seafood with hints of Asian fusion and loads of whimsy

10 Prime Seafood Dinner, photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group
10 Prime Seafood Dinner, photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group

10 Prime Seafood, located in the historic former Packard Motor Car showroom at 123 Empire Street (corner of Empire and Washington) in Providence, RI is now open.  The newest restaurant from Chow Fun Food Group, an acclaimed, cutting-edge restaurant group with award-winning concepts throughout Rhode Island, features a menu of fresh and locally-caught seafood, creative concoctions, and whimsical presentations from appetizers to cocktails.  

The first restaurant from Chow Fun in more than four years, 10 Prime Seafood reunites an award-winning culinary team of Chow Fun Maestro John Elkhay and Executive Chef Jules Ramos and pays homage to past successes, including XO Café, 10 Prime Steak & Sushi, and others.

Dinner at 10 Prime Seafood is a true culinary journey. Diners can begin with the Raw Bar featuring a selection of Rhode Island oysters, littlenecks, and classic shrimp cocktail or The Tower featuring Maine lobster claws, shrimp cocktail, Rhode Island oysters and littlenecks. Caviar service features a choice of Kaluga Hybrid or Osetra Royale served with potato chips, crème fraiche and chives; Chicken Nuggets & Caviar with Osetra caviar and crème fraiche dip; or Smoked Caviar Cones with chive cream cheese. 

The Chilled & Raw section features Tuna Carpaccio with avocado, lime and Spanish EVOO; Hamachi Sashimi with sliced jalapeno and yuzu hot oil; Bluefin Tuna Crispy Rice with sriracha mayonnaise; Salmon Crispy Rice with avocado and coconut aminos; and Tuna Tartare with ginger, plantain crisps and coconut. A selection of salads is also available. 

Warm Bites feature Angie’s Haddock Chowder with smoked bacon, thyme and house-made crackers; Sesame Crusted Tunaserved on a hot rock with ginger and wasabi aioli; Lobster Acting Like Escargot served en croute; Tenderloin Sliders with caramelized onions and chipotle aioli; Fritto Misto with rock shrimp, clam strips, hot peppers and remoulade; and 10’s soon-to-be-famous Tacklebox, a bento-style box with fritto misto, tuna tartare and salmon crispy rice. 

Main courses include a Fish & Seafood selection of Fish & Chips served super crunchy with hand-cut fries and remoulade; Shanghai Crab Fried Rice featuring jumbo lump crab and brunoise vegetables; Crispy Fish Tacos with avocado, cabbage salsa verde, and serrano crema; Faroe Island Salmon served grilled kabayaki style with sticky rice; Swordfish ‘Prince Murat’ with artichoke and parsley butter; Day Boat Scallops with haricot verts almondine and chimichurri; and Sesame Crusted Tuna with sticky rice, ginger and wasabi cream. Guests can also enjoy a selection of simply prepared seafood with a choice of sauces. 

The Steak House features include a New York Sirloin of certified Black Angus, ‘oh-those-potatoes’, and bone marrow bordelaise; Filet Mignon with a cacio e pepe tortelloni served on Versace china; Prime Steak Frites with l’entrecôte sauce, hand-cut fries, and rosemary aioli; and a Grass-Fed Cheeseburger with American cheese, Harry’s special sauce, a sesame bun, and hand-cut fries. 

Lobster Specialties feature the Alive & Kicking, a two pound steamed in the shell lobster or lazy style with drawn butter; Lobster Lo Mein with tempura lobster tail served Cantonese style; and Whole Lobster Mac & Cheese featuring cavatappi and three cheeses. A selection of sides suitable for sharing are also available. 

“The menu is inspired by simplicity with locally-sourced and organically-focused components, because what you eat matters. Where it is grown and raised matters. The oils we use matter. I’m not putting anything on this menu that I wouldn’t prepare and eat in my own kitchen,” said Elkhay. 

The wine and cocktail menu offers guests a mix of specialty sips, including 10 Prime Seafood’s own vodka label made from organic corn, as well as iconic libations from XO Café, 10 Prime Steak & Sushi and Chinese Laundry, and a carefully-curated wine and spirits list. The design comes from Margherita Caspani and Marco Billotti, talented Italian artisans who Elkhay tracked down after seeing a beautiful menu they illustrated while dining at a restaurant in Milan. 10 Prime Seafood’s menu is whimsical and joyful, demonstrating la dolce vita – the sweet life.

10 Prime Seafood is the most elegant restaurant in the Chow Fun collection. It evokes sophistication mingled with chic, edgy fun. Guests will notice a ribbon of subtle and strong nautical elements winding throughout the two-story space, including specialty chandeliers that resemble a bloom of floating jellyfish, octopus tentacles beckoning guests up to the private second floor, a mermaid over the corner ‘power table,’ and the playful colors of the ocean imbued in the tile, carpeting and server attire. Design elements on the second floor pay homage to the building’s original use as a Packard Motor Cars showroom.

10 Prime Seafood is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Enjoy $12 glasses of Moët & Chandon and complimentary organic popcorn during “Poppy Hour” daily from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., because life is too short to not drink Champagne.

10 Prime Seafood Dinner, photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group
10 Prime Seafood, photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group
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Eat Drink RI's David Dadekian talking about the 2025 SNAP shutdown
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SNAP Shutdown Info for Rhode Island and Around the USA – Update Added

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

If you’re unable to see the above video, it’s available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/RjbZqPQ2-4Q.

Resource links mentioned:

Update posted a day after the original video:

Transcript (minus Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee’s press conference clips:

I wanted to take a few moments to try and get as much info about the SNAP shutdown that will begin on November 1st. I’ve got some clips from Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee’s conference in this video and I hope you take some time to watch and share this, and spread the facts as much as possible.

First off the data, because the numbers are important and aren’t always reported correctly. There are almost 143,000 people in Rhode Island that use SNAP, what used to be called food stamps, to purchase groceries, averaging about $7 a day usage which is almost one million dollars a day, for a rough total of $29 million dollars a month. That’s in Rhode Island alone, and we’re far from the largest usage in the states. So if you’re watching this outside RI, the situation could be a lot more dire.

The governor of Rhode Island, and several other states, has declared a state of emergency which allows them to use state funds to cover this gap. Unfortunately, the money the state has to use is WAY less than $29 million. Rhode Island is drawing $6 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to put onto SNAP EBT cards, it’s like a debit card for your SNAP benefit. Since this is a fund for families it means you have to have children to receive the money and according to the budget office that will cover about 65,000 people, clearly leaving almost 80,000 people in Rhode Island without any funds on their EBT card to buy groceries with on November 1. Yes, if you have an EBT card with money left over from October you keep that on your card, but I can’t imagine that will be much for most people.

The Rhode Island Foundation and other organizations are going to also give to this temporary assistance, but let’s be honest, it’s not going to cover the $23 million dollar gap. Which means those 80,000 people are going to have to find another way to get food, more than likely at their local food pantry or kitchen where they don’t have any choices on what they can eat, but have to accept what’s there or starve.

So what can you do? First off I want to be very clear, food drives are great. It is so heartwarming to see all the people on my feeds organizing food collections and pantries and giving away prepared food and non-perishables. I would never discourage that, but I want to share what I’ve learned over the years participating in fundraisers for the RI Community Food Bank and similar organizations like Feed RI.

They’ll take your packaged food, any donation is a valuable donation, but the most important thing you can donate is money. Any money you donate to a food bank can practically be doubled, or more. Food banks have purchasing power because they buy things in large quantities. So that $1 box of pasta you donate is one box, but give that $1 to the food bank and they can buy 2 or 3 or maybe 4 boxes because they purchase in bulk. So if you go to the store and think, I’m going to buy $50 in canned goods and take it to the food bank, again, that is great and always appreciated, but if you gave that $50 in cash to a food bank they can probably buy $100 or more in food.

Again food drives are wonderful, don’t stop, but if you have the means to donate cash, that’s the best solution. Let’s not forget that the RI Community Food Bank provides data that 38% of Rhode Islanders are food insecure. That’s atrociously terrible to hear on a so-called normal day. So donate if you’re able.

Lastly, a note on how we got here. It’s almost impossible to discuss most programs these days without bringing up politics and unfortunately this is true here too. Contrary to some comments, the government shutdown by Congress is not to blame for this SNAP shutdown situation. Yes, it’s a factor, but it’s not the reason 143,000 people in Rhode Island and millions more around the country are going to suffer.

When the government is shut down, the US Dept. of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, has a reserve that can be used to keep the program going. All that needs to be done to allow these reserves to be used is for the chief executive, in this case President Trump, to authorize it. Simple executive order, yes I authorize these funds being used. The Trump administration has decided they will not authorize the money. That’s it, plain and simple.

Yes, Congress is responsible for triggering this, but it’s the President that decided not to let states have SNAP benefit money. Money, by the way, that we all put into the funds to begin with by paying federal taxes. This is US taxpayer money that the USDA holds to cover SNAP for the states and the money is not being allowed into the states. I’m trying not to offer an opinion on that, but I think you know my opinion.

Thank you for watching and listening. I hope this was helpful and please share if you see fit. Please be kind to one another. Take care.

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Rhode Island Community Food Bank
chefs & restaurantsnews

News Bites: RI Community Food Bank 2021 Holiday Drive / Stoneacre Holiday To-Go / Giusto “Buy One, Give One”

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank 2021 Holiday Drive

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Today we are kicking off our annual Holiday Drive which runs through December 31st. Together, we can provide healthy and culturally relevant food to our neighbors in need.

The most effective way to support the Food Bank is to donate funds so we can purchase healthy food in bulk, stretching your donated dollar further than you can at the grocery store.

  • You can give online here.
  • You or your company can create a virtual fundraising drive here.
  • Learn how to host a traditional food drive here.

Thank you for helping us get much needed food to our neighbors who are struggling this holiday season!

Stoneacre Garden and Stoneacre Brasserie Holiday To-Go Menu

Stoneacre Garden and Stoneacre Brasserie are offering an exciting Holiday To-Go menu for folks who aren’t in the mood to cook for the holidays, but looking to have a delicious gourmet meal. The Holiday To-Go menu will be available across both restaurants through New Year’s Eve.

Download the Menu

Contact Stoneacre Brasserie at 401-619-7810 or contact Stoneacre Garden at 401-619-8400

Giusto Holiday Charitable “Buy One, Give One”

Giusto is bringing back its “Buy One, Give One” holiday promotion this year. Led by Executive Chef Kyle Stamps, the charitable promotion is in partnership with the MLK Center in Newport. From November 17 – December 23, for every full lasagna purchased (serves 6-8), Giusto will donate one to the MLK Center. They will have both meat and vegetarian options available. They are ready to bake and will include full heating instructions. Ordering begins on November 16 and requires 24 hours-notice for pick-up. Orders can be placed by calling 401-324-7400. 

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cookingfarmsnews

News Bites: RI Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger / Farm Fresh RI Matching Donation Challenge / Winter Farmers’ Markets

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

RI Community Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Low-Income Families are Missing Meals

There is a significant meal gap in Rhode Island today. Low-income families miss out on meals because they cannot afford adequate food. Entire communities remain distressed and are not benefiting from the state’s economic recovery. More should be done to protect low-income families from hunger and bring economic growth to the communities where they live.

Download the Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

MAJOR FINDINGS

  • Over 33 million meals are missed each year by Rhode Islanders at the bottom of the income scale.
  • Government nutrition programs are now the primary source of meals for low-income households.
  • More than one-fifth of the state’s population lives in communities that suffer from extreme economic hardship.
  • Demand for food assistance remains high with 59,000 people served by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank each month.

Thirty-Three Million Missing Meals

The graph shows the different sources of meals for low-income households in Rhode Island. Of the total 217 million meals needed annually, 15 percent – 33.2 million – are missing. SNAP, WIC and School Meals account for more than half of the meals provided.

Read the entire 2016 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

Action Steps

  • Urge Congress to increase SNAP benefit levels to keep up with the real cost of food.
  • Offer free school breakfast and lunch to all students in high-poverty areas.
  • Prioritize distressed communities in Rhode Island for economic development to improve the lives of low-income residents.
  • Allocate additional state funding to keep the Food Bank stocked to meet the continued high demand for food assistance.

For previous versions of the Status Report on Hunger, visit our Publications page.

Farm Fresh RI Challenged by Newman’s Own Foundation for #GivingTuesday

Farm Fresh Rhode IslandFarm Fresh Rhode Island has been selected to participate in the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge for #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide.

As part of the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge, Farm Fresh Rhode Island can earn up to $10,000 in matching funds for donations made (through www.crowdrise.com/FarmFreshRI-GivingTuesday) between November 22 and November 29.

Farm Fresh RI is dedicated to growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of Rhode Island farmers and eaters. Part incubator, part activator, Farm Fresh’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island farmland, build healthier communities, strengthen local community-based businesses, increase access to fresh food for all, and improve the impact of food production and distribution on the environment. Funds raised in the Challenge will be used to support a wide array of access, education, and distribution programs—such as operating farmers markets year-round; incentivizing and subsidizing EBT/SNAP use at those markets; facilitating buying relationships between RI producers, businesses, and institutions; providing food-industry job training and employment to youth from DCYF’s Juvenile Justice Corrections Services; getting more locally grown, fresh foods into more RI school, hospital, and senior residence cafeterias; and empowering low-income families with tools to shop for and cook fresh foods.

“We love the strong connections Rhode Islanders have to their growers and fishermen. But there is still a long ways for us to go,” says Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Directory of Farm Fresh RI. “We estimate that just 1% of the food consumed in Rhode Island is locally grown or caught. That is 99% opportunity! Grocery store shelves, cafeterias, schools, senior meal sites — there are so many ways to tie in local food better. We have to ask for these changes to make them happen. They will not happen on their own, but they are so worthwhile, and taste good to boot!”

Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season. The day is designed to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

The Challenge is hosted on CrowdRise, a crowdfundraising platform for nonprofits. A total of 20 organizations were selected to participate by Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.

Those who are interested in helping Farm Fresh Rhode Island reach its Challenge goal can do so by visiting: www.crowdrise.com/FarmFreshRI-GivingTuesday.

Winter Farmers’ Markets Offer Perfect Local Fare for Holiday Feasts

Just in time for the holidays, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that as part of its “Get Fresh. Buy Local” campaign, winter farmers’ markets will be open across the state this weekend. The markets will feature an array of local products – from seafood to meats, produce, and prepared foods and gifts.

“The winter markets are great places to purchase fresh, delicious local food while supporting Rhode Island businesses,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.  “I can think of no better way to dress the Thanksgiving table than with Rhode Island-grown turkey, locally harvested fish, or farm-fresh potatoes, apples, cider or winter squash.  I hope everyone will join me this weekend in visiting a local market to get fresh, and buy local!”

Markets, locations and operating times are as follows:

Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers’ Market, Pawtucket
Hope Artiste Village, 1005 & 999 Main Street
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 29

Mount Hope Farm, Bristol
250 Metacom Avenue
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round

Aquidneck Growers Market, Middletown
Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round

Coastal Growers Winter Farmers’ Market, North Kingstown
Lafayette Mill Complex, 650 Ten Rod Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through April 29

South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market, Peace Dale
Peacedale Mill Complex, 1425 Kingstown Road
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 29

Schoolyard Market, Warren
Hope & Main Food Incubator, 691 Main Street
Select Sundays (December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19, & May 21) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Farm Fresh RI Woonsocket Farmers’ Market, Woonsocket
Thundermist Health Center, 450 Clinton Street
Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. year-round

DEM’s Get Fresh. Buy Local campaign supports efforts to increase local awareness and consumption of Rhode Island-sourced products and to build a sustainable food system in the state.  Rhode Island’s food sector is experiencing significant growth, and efforts are underway to develop the state’s first statewide food strategy.  Winter farmers’ markets play an important role in supporting a strong food system by increasing Rhode Islanders’ access to affordable, local products and providing a marketplace for local farmers during the off-season.  Rhode Island’s food system supports 60,000 jobs, and it is one of few states where the number of farms is on the rise, now standing at more than 1,200 farms. The state also leads the nation in the percent of farms selling directly to the public.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

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